dietary folate equivalent

Also found in: Acronyms.

di·e·ta·ry fo·late e·quiv·a·lent

(DFE) (dī'ĕ-tār'ē fō'lāt ē-kwiv'ă-lĕnt)

The amount of folate available to the body based on differences in absorbability from different sources. 1 mg DFE = 1 mg food folate = 0.6 mg of folic acid from fortified food or supplement.

Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012

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References in periodicals archive ?

Dietary reference intakes for folate: the debut of dietary folate equivalents. Nutr Rev 1998;56:294-9.

Homocysteine and folate status in an era of folic acid fortification: balancing benefits, risks, and B-vitamins

The differences in absorbability have led to the concept of dietary folate equivalents (DFE), where 1 DFE = 1 [micro]g food folate = 0.6 [micro]g folic acid from fortified food or supplement (4).

Vitamins B6, B12 and folate. (Continuing Education)

Then, in 1998, dietary folate equivalents were established--because of differences in bioavailability, or absorption--of at least 400 mcg per day for adults.